The laboratory flux measurement system (LFMS) and dispersion models were used to investigate the kinetics of mercury emission flux (MEF) from contaminated soils. Representative soil samples with respect to total Hg concentration (26-9770 μg g(-1)) surrounding a decommissioned mercury-mining area (Las Cuevas Mine), and a former mercury smelter (Cerco Metalúrgico de Almadenejos), in the Almadén m...

Open-cast lignite mining is causing large-scale and long-term disturbance, resulting in a destruction of existing ecosystems and creation of landscapes formed by overburden spoil piles. Overburden sediments can largely differ from parent geological material of previously existing and undisturbed sites. It is expected that new soils and ecosystems will develop from overburden sediments with elem...

Soil pollution by trace elements (TEs) from mining and industrial activity is widespread and presents a risk to humans and ecosystems. The use of trees to immobilize TEs (phytostabilization) is a low-cost and effective method of soil remediation. We aimed to determine the chemical composition of leaves and flower buds of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in seven sites along the Guadiamar River valley (...

We evaluated the effect of polyacrylate polymers as immobilizing agents to aid phytostabilization of two mine soils. One soil had a very low pH (3.7) and a large Pb content, while the other was less acidic but had a greater content of Cu and Zn. Growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Victorian) was stimulated in polymer-amended soils. After ryegrass had been growing for 35 days, th...